North Dakota State and South Dakota kick off their conference schedule in a class of Missouri Valley teams.
The top-ranked Bison are 3-0 on the season and looking to continue their defense of their 2024 FCS title. No. 17 South Dakota is on a two-game winning streak after the Coyotes dropped their first two games of the season.
North Dakota State is 59-28-2 all-time against South Dakota, but the Coyotes snatched a one-point win on a last-second touchdown in their meeting last season.
This time around, the Bison are led by quarterback Cole Payton. He's thrown for 706 passing yards, six touchdowns and no interceptions on the season. Payton has also rushed for 175 yards and a score.
The Coyotes have Aidan Bouman under center again after he led South Dakota to the comeback win a year ago. He has 559 passing yards, five touchdowns and four interceptions. South Dakota's running game is the fuel of the offense, though, with L.J. Phillips Jr. leading the way with 517 rushing yards and six touchdowns.
Here's what you need to know to watch North Dakota State vs. South Dakota on Saturday, including start time and TV channel.
What channel is North Dakota State vs. South Dakota on today?
- TV channel (local): WDAY channel 6 (Fargo)
- Live stream: ESPN+
North Dakota State vs. South Dakota will not air on a national TV channel, but fans in Fargo can tune into WDAY channel 6 (ABC).
The game will be available to stream exclusively on ESPN+.
Catch all your favorite ESPN+ action with ESPN Select! Just download the new ESPN app, sign in with your ESPN account, tap Subscribe to ESPN Select and you're set to stream live sports, originals and more — all in one place.
North Dakota State vs. South Dakota start time
- Date: Saturday, Sept. 27, 2025
- Start Time: 2 p.m. ET | 1 p.m. CT
North Dakota State vs. South Dakota is set to kick off at 2 p.m. ET from the Fargodome in Fargo, North Dakota.
North Dakota State football schedule 2025
Here is the 2025 schedule for the Bison.
| Date | Opponent | Time (ET) |
|---|---|---|
| Aug. 30 | North Dakota State 38, The Citadel 0 | — |
| Sept. 6 | North Dakota State 59, Tennessee State 3 | — |
| Sept. 13 | North Dakota State 41, Southeast Missouri State 14 | — |
| Sept. 27 | vs. South Dakota | 2 p.m. |
| Oct. 4 | at Illinois State | 7 p.m. |
| Oct. 11 | vs. Southern Illinois | 3:30 p.m. |
| Oct. 18 | at Indiana State | 1 p.m. |
| Oct. 25 | at South Dakota State | TBD |
| Nov. 1 | vs. Youngstown State | 3:30 p.m. |
| Nov. 8 | at North Dakota | 2 p.m. |
| Nov. 15 | vs. Northern Iowa | 3:30 p.m. |
| Nov. 22 | vs. St. Thomas-Minnesota | 3:30 p.m. |
South Dakota football schedule 2025
Here is the 2025 schedule for the Coyotes.
| Date | Opponent | Time (ET) |
|---|---|---|
| Aug. 30 | Iowa State 55, South Dakota 7 | — |
| Sept. 6 | Lamar 20, South Dakota 13 | — |
| Sept. 13 | South Dakota 24, Northern Colorado 17 (OT) | — |
| Sept. 20 | South Dakota 42, Drake 21 | — |
| Sept. 27 | at North Dakota State | 2 p.m. |
| Oct. 4 | vs. Murray State | 3 p.m. |
| Oct. 11 | at Indiana State | 1 p.m. |
| Oct. 18 | at Northern Iowa | 2 p.m. |
| Oct. 25 | vs. Illinois State | 2 p.m. |
| Nov. 1 | vs. North Dakota | 2 p.m. |
| Nov. 8 | vs. South Dakota State | TBD |
| Nov. 15 | at Southern Illinois | 1 p.m. |